Online Psychology Degrees Guide: Levels and Licensure

Accredited online Psychology degrees explore how people think, learn, and behave.
These programs combine theory, research, and applied practice to prepare students for careers in human services, mental health, or organizational settings. Whether you’re interested in counseling, research, or industrial applications, online Psychology programs provide a flexible, high-quality pathway to understanding human behavior and building a foundation for advanced study.

Quick Answers

• What do online psychology programs cover? Online psychology programs explore how people think, learn, and behave. They typically combine theory, research methods, and applied practice.
• What online psychology degree levels are common? Common online levels include a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) and a master’s degree in psychology. Master’s programs may offer specializations such as clinical or counseling, industrial-organizational, educational or school, forensic, or health or sports psychology.
• Do online psychology programs require fieldwork? Some programs, especially counseling or applied tracks, require practicums, internships, or research lab participation. Schools often help students arrange local experiences that meet academic standards.
• Can a bachelor’s in psychology lead to licensure? A bachelor’s degree is a foundation for advanced study, but it does not qualify for independent clinical practice. Licensure requirements vary by state and specialization, and typically require a graduate degree and supervised hours.
• How does accreditation apply to psychology programs? Undergraduate psychology degrees are generally covered by institutional accreditation. For some graduate pathways, APA accredits certain doctoral programs and related training, and CACREP accredits master’s-level counseling programs.

At a Glance

• Common online levels include a bachelor’s (BA or BS) and a master’s in psychology.
• Coursework often includes research methods and statistics, social and developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, ethics, and a capstone or research project.
• Some programs require hands-on components like a practicum, internship, or research lab participation.
• A bachelor’s degree does not qualify for independent clinical practice; clinical licensure typically requires graduate study and supervised hours.
• Accreditation is typically institutional; APA and CACREP relate to certain graduate pathways.

Schools to Compare

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.

Why Earn a Psychology Degree Online

Online Psychology programs are designed for accessibility and flexibility. They make it possible to complete general coursework from anywhere while engaging in research or supervised fieldwork when required.

Key Benefits

• Study part-time or full-time while maintaining work or family responsibilities.
• Access accredited programs led by faculty experienced in behavioral science and counseling.
• Build a foundation for graduate programs in psychology, counseling, or social work.
• Learn transferable skills that apply to healthcare, education, business, and public service.

Online degrees offer the same academic rigor and research standards as on-campus programs, often with the added benefit of asynchronous study formats.

Common Online Psychology Degree Levels

Bachelor’s in Psychology (BA or BS)

A general introduction to psychology theory and application.
Students study behavior, emotion, cognition, and social interaction through scientific and practical frameworks.
The BA typically focuses on liberal arts and communication, while the BS emphasizes research, statistics, and quantitative analysis.

Master’s in Psychology

An advanced degree for students pursuing counseling, organizational, or academic paths.
Common specializations include:

• Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Educational or School Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Health or Sports Psychology

Master’s programs may include practicums or supervised internships to build professional experience and meet licensure or certification requirements.

Core Curriculum and Learning Focus

Online Psychology programs blend theory, research methodology, and applied practice.
Typical coursework includes:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology
• Social and Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology and Mental Health
• Personality Theory
• Psychological Assessment and Testing
• Ethics in Psychology Practice
• Capstone or Research Project

Students learn to analyze behavior through scientific observation, design studies, and apply findings to improve individual and group outcomes.

Practicum and Fieldwork Components

While most coursework can be completed online, some psychology programs, especially those aligned with counseling or applied tracks, require hands-on experience.
These may include:

• Practicums: Short-term, supervised experiences in research or human services.
• Internships: Longer placements in counseling centers, hospitals, or community agencies.
• Research Labs: Virtual or on-site participation in data collection and analysis.

Colleges usually help students arrange local experiences that satisfy academic and accreditation standards.

Licensure and Graduate Preparation

A bachelor’s degree in psychology serves as a foundation for advanced study but does not qualify for independent clinical practice.
Students pursuing licensure as counselors, therapists, or psychologists must earn a graduate degree (typically a master’s or doctorate) and meet supervised hour requirements.

Common postgraduate pathways include:

• Master’s in Counseling or Clinical Psychology
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Ph.D. in Psychology
• Social Work (MSW) or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
• Certification in applied areas like behavior analysis or organizational consulting

Licensure requirements vary by state and specialization. Always verify with the appropriate state licensing board before enrolling in a clinical program.

Skills Developed in a Psychology Program

Graduates gain both scientific literacy and human understanding, skills applicable to nearly any professional environment.
Key competencies include:

• Research design and data analysis.
• Empathy and effective communication.
• Critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
• Problem-solving in behavioral contexts.
• Understanding of diversity and social dynamics.

These skills prepare students for roles that require insight into human motivation, decision-making, and organizational behavior.

Career Pathways in Psychology

An online Psychology degree supports many non-clinical and pre-clinical roles.
Depending on degree level and experience, graduates often pursue positions in:

• Human Services and Case Management
• Mental Health and Rehabilitation Support
• Human Resources and Organizational Development
• Market and Consumer Research
• Education, Training, and Advising
• Behavioral Health Administration

Advanced degrees open additional opportunities in therapy, academia, research, and healthcare leadership.

Accreditation and Program Standards

Accredited programs ensure quality instruction and transferability of credits.
While undergraduate degrees are accredited at the institutional level, graduate psychology and counseling programs often seek specialized recognition through:

• American Psychological Association (APA): Accredits doctoral programs in psychology, internship, and postdoctoral residency programs.
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): Accredits master’s-level counseling programs.

Selecting an accredited institution ensures your education meets professional and academic standards.

Next Steps

If you’re comparing majors, start with our online colleges guide and review popular options such as criminal justice degrees or healthcare degrees.

Online Psychology degrees give students the flexibility to explore the human mind and behavior through evidence-based study. With strong research, ethical, and communication skills, graduates are prepared for roles in human services, education, business, and related settings, or for graduate study.